Job Description

Early Years Specialist Support Assistant - From Nursery to Special School

Summary

A welcoming special school in Whitehaven is seeking an Early Years Specialist Support Assistant to join its dedicated team. This role offers an ideal opportunity for individuals from nursery, Early Years, or SEN backgrounds to transition their skills into a classroom-based role supporting children with complex needs.

About the Role

Work within a small Early Years class providing nurturing support to pupils with a range of additional needs, including autism and developmental delay Assist the class teacher in delivering sensory-based and structured activities that support communication, early learning, and social skills Offer one-to-one and small group support, adapting your approach to meet individual learning styles and needs Support pupils with personal care and daily routines, promoting independence and confidence in a calm, encouraging way

Who We're Looking For

Background in nursery, Early Years education, or special educational needs settings Qualifications in Childcare, EYFS, Health and Social Care, or related fields preferred A patient, warm, and proactive approach to supporting children with complex needs Experience in supporting communication, sensory development, or emotional regulation Team player who can build positive relationships with children and staff alike

The School

This is a specialist provision offering a supportive, structured environment for children with a range of complex needs. The school is known for its nurturing ethos, small class sizes, and a holistic approach to early development, focusing on both academic and personal growth.

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 3.30pm. Open to full-time and part-time applicants.

What You'll Gain

Competitive pay

Experience working in a well-resourced special school setting Opportunity to transition nursery or SEN skills into the classroom Support from experienced colleagues and external therapists Potential pathway to permanent employment A genuinely rewarding role where you'll see the difference you make every day

Ready for a Fresh Start?

If you've worked in nurseries, Early Years, or SEN environments and want to move into a classroom setting, this role offers the chance to build a meaningful career in SEND education.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: Up to 525.00 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person